With the official moving of the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) from Bovy, MN, to Eagle River, WI, all future inductions will be held in Eagle River with the world snowmobile headquarters serving as host.
Another change is that the induction date has been moved to Sept. 18, 2010.
This year we are inducting six new members into ISHOF. Each has contributed to the sport of snowmobiling in their own way and is more than worthy of induction.
Also new this year at the world snowmobile headquarters is the creation of the World Championship Derby Hall of Fame to honor and induct past winners of this most prestigious snowmobile race. It is a separate Hall from the ISHOF and will start with inducting the first ten winners this year. Next year that Hall will induct the next ten and in 2012 the remainder. For 2013 and the 50th anniversary of the Derby, the Hall will induct the current champ with a review of all past winners at a special celebration.
This new Hall is being made with the cooperation and sponsorship of the Derby Track. It will add yet another facet to the world snowmobile headquarters quality snowmobile attractions that showcase many different aspects of the sport.
Sept. 16-19 will bring a full weekend of "summertime snowmobiling" activities as the ISHOF board has put together an agenda of fun times and activities for all to enjoy. All snowmobilers are invited to attend and share the good times with these new inductees.
Tentative schedule for induction weekend
Thursday, Sept. 16:
4 p.m. til ???? - "Early Bird" welcome social at the Chanticleer Inn overlooking beautiful Voyageur Lake. This is the birthplace of the Eagle River World Championship Derby 47 years ago and a major promoter of early snowmobiling history and its development.
Friday, Sept. 17:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - The World Snowmobile Headquarters (HQ), now the official home of ISHOF, will feature a special Open House for all ISHOF inductees, their families and friends. Refreshments and snacks in the boardroom. A silent auction will be featured all day and extended into Saturday.
11 a.m. - ISHOF Championship Horseshoe Tournament held on the front lawn of the HQ. Several classes of competition are offered with prizes for winners.
11 a.m. - Pontoon boat rides on the famous 28 Chain O' Lakes with lunch at a lakeside restaurant. The fall color at this time of the year is stunning and best viewed from the lakes aboard a cruising pontoon boat complete with refreshments and snacks.
Noon - Inaugural ISHOF Cup Golf Tournament at Eagle River Golf Course. An 18-hole tournament with several classes of competition and many prizes.
Noon - Opening of "Reunion" at the Derby Track with indoor and outdoor vintage and antique show plus swap meet on the grounds and in the Expo Hall. Grass drag racing under the lights that night inside the famous Derby Oval. Free admission all weekend for registered ISHOF inductees, both present and past along with their families and friends at a special inside seating section has been reserved. Included is a private bar and food service. All this complimentary from the Derby Track.
Noon - Downtown Eagle River shopping excursion including a "shopping poker" game. Enjoy lunch at one of the city's fine restaurants to fuel up for an afternoon of shopping at the many gift and craft stores in town.
5 p.m. - Receptions and "Cracker barrel" at Eagle River Inn and Best Western Derby Inn to renew old friendships and talk snowmobiles . . . and the tales get bigger.
6 p.m. - Vintage and Antique Grass Drags at Derby Track with private indoor seating and bar for all ISHOF inductees, families and friends.
Saturday - Sept. 18:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - The World Snowmobile Headquarters special Open House for all ISHOF inductees, their families and friends. Refreshments and snacks in the boardroom. A silent auction, continued from Friday, will end at 4 p.m.
11 a.m. - ISHOF Championship Horseshoe Tournament held on the front lawn of the HQ. Several classes of competition with prizes.
11 a.m. - More vintage and antique displays, swap meet and grass drags at the Derby Track. Enjoy the action from inside in a private viewing section complete with private bar. Trophy presentation will be in the Expo Hall about 3 p.m. to end the racing activities.
11 a.m. - Pontoon boat rides on the famous 28 Chain O' Lakes with lunch at a lakeside restaurant. The fall color at this time of the year is stunning and best viewed from the lakes aboard a cruising pontoon boat complete with refreshments and snacks.
Noon - Downtown Eagle River shopping excursion including a "shopping poker" game. Enjoy lunch at one of the city's fine restaurants to fuel up for an afternoon of shopping at the many gift and craft stores in town.
1 p.m. - Mini-Golf Tournament in Eagle River with many prizes for those wishing to have fun without big golf frustrations. Compete for the new ISHOF Mini-Cup traveling trophy.
5:30 pm - Cocktails at Eagle River Inn.
6:30 pm - Banquet meal.
7:30 pm - Snowmobile Groomer of the Year Award
Snowmobile Club of the Year Award
World Championship Derby Hall of Fame Induction.
International Snowmobile Hall of Fame Induction.
Sunday - Sept. 19
9 a.m. - Brunch at Wild Eagle Lodge.
10:30 a.m. - Director's meeting, including new inductees at Wild Eagle Lodge.
Rest of day - Pontoon boat rides and open time to enjoy Eagle River and/or friends.